Boy Scouts – Free Company
30 August 2019 – Anti-
Be Prepared. That’s the motto of the Boy Scouts Of America (and across much of the world). However, it could also be the motto for Taylor Vick, recording under the name Boy Scouts. Free Company, her third long-player, makes it clear there are definite benefits to being prepared. Get Well Soon, the opening track makes that crystal clear, “Got a thought of you, do you have one too? We hope you think of you, ‘cause we all want you to.” Regardless, one needs to be prepared because she is checking out.
Producer Stephen Steinbrink needed some preparation since the album was recorded in a tiny, windowless, shipping container. Somehow that weird little space was the perfect setting to record nine songs dealing with heartbreak and loss. Nothing lasts forever according to Expiration Date, “Everything great has an expiration date, I think and I wait for my fate to show up late.” It’s clearly a lose-lose situation, yet there is no hostility, just the reality it’s the end of another relationship.
Despite sounding like a downbeat collection, Free Company has a bounce to the bass and the guitars, acoustic and electric, ring out, while Vick’s voice and layered harmonies make even her disappointments sound survivable. She expresses anger, but does it gently on Hate Ya 2, “Are you really that full of it? Give your friends the part you already bit.” The lyrics spill a bit of bile while the guitars and piano seem to somehow soften the blow.
Vick’s voice is warm and open, yet lyrically she’s dealing with subjects one wouldn’t associate with that sense of openness. Her gentleness extends to the music, rich and flowing it cuddles you like a soft summer day until you discover the subject matter is decidedly downbeat. She never overplays her hand, creating music that packs a punch you never see coming.
Free Company proves that love is never really free. There’s always a ton of baggage that needs to be dealt with, unseen consequences, slightly shattered souls, even hints of hate. Taylor Vick’s Boy Scouts emerge from these moments cleansed, ready to move on. Rather than a downward spiral, Vick seems to emerge energized and invigorated. All heartbreak should be so inspiring.
Free Company is out now
Photo Credit: by Ulysses Ortega courtesy of Anti-